Vessantara-Jataka in Pali and English - MyWebSpace

Translation 507 Vessantara-Jåtaka
[Fausbøll, Jåtaka, vol. VI, p. 507]
For dwellers on the river banks hear other plagues that wait:
The boa-constrictor (poisonless ’tis true, but strong and great),
If any man or any beast come near, will take firm hold,
And drag them to his lurking-place enwrapt in many a fold.
Then there are other dangerous beasts with black and matted hair;
They can climb trees to catch a man: this beast is called a bear.
Along the stream Sotumbarā there dwells the buffalo;
Which with his great sharp-pointed horns can give a mighty blow.
Seeing these herds of mighty kine wander the forest through,
Like some poor cow that seeks her calf say what will Maddī do?
When crowds of monkeys in the trees gather, they will affright
You, Maddī, in your ignorance with their uncomely sight.
Once on a time the jackal's howl would bring great fear to you:
Now dwelling on the Vaṁka hill, Maddī, what will you do?
Why would you go to such a place? Even at high midday,
When all the birds are stilled to rest, the forest roars away."
Then beauteous Maddī to the king spake up and answered so:
"As for these things so terrible, which you have tried to shew,
I willingly accept them all; I am resolved to go.